Cassadaga Moon

by R. M. Sotera

  Trying hard to hide her shock, she changed the tone of her voice, hoping it sounded questioning instead of frightened out of her mind.

  “Just so I have this all straight. The nurse took my blood earlier because you plan to taste it tonight?” She covered her unease with a nervous laugh.

  “Yes.” Jordan’s voice was calm and crisp, as if he were answering a verbal question on a test instead of telling someone he’d just met he was going to suck her blood.

  An annoyance tick started in the pit of Mia’s stomach. Finally, a touch of anger was popping up in her emotions. It was about time.

  “You know, it’s one thing to think about and understand the concept of blood drinking, but you want me to dive into the process right now without even having a chance to think it over?” A tinge of panic settled in Mia’s bones, once the anger dissipated.

  Am I letting my fantasy get out of control? Sex is one thing, but letting him taste one smidgen of my blood, that’s plain crazy, isn’t it?

  Her breathing accelerated as she tried to concentrate on the procedure for stopping her impending hyperventilation, but, as usual, what was the right exercise when she needed it?

  “Calm down, darlin’.” He gave her fingers a gentle squeeze. “We are talking about a small scratch and then a drop of blood, nothing more. I promise.”

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  “Whoa. Scratch? I just gave a tube of blood. Why aren’t you drinking that?”

  Mr. Calm and Collected shook his head. “That’s for testing. I don’t like tube blood. I like it right from the body.”

  “And do you always get everything you want?” A wicked gleam lit up his face. “Well, yes.” I seriously need my head examined. Still reeling with disbelief, she tried to pry a smile from the edges of her face. The continued squeezing he’d given her fingers made Mia’s body tingle with awareness. Honestly, had she gone completely insane? A part of her, deep down underneath the layers of Catholic guilt and fear, wanted him in every way possible. And if it meant some ritualistic blood drinking tonight, then she would welcome it, welcome him.

  Gently putting a hand on her shoulder, he rubbed her tenseness.

  “Real donors know the rules about clean blood, however, we do keep a nurse on staff, especially during parties, for when blood dolls come here. We assumed, after we found out you weren’t Ravenfield members, that you and Cindi were blood dolls since it was obvious you weren’t donors to anyone in the Stiletto Sanction.” It took a ton of willpower to keep her jaw from dropping. It was starting to feel like a natural occurrence tonight. Their conversation was getting better and better. “Okay, I have to ask, what is a blood doll?”

  “I would expect no less from you, darlin’. It’s a person who likes to bleed for pleasure. We call them party favors,” he said, matter-of-factly. Reaching over, he released the inlaid clip in her hair, letting the strands cascade down the middle of her back. “There, that’s better.”

  “Party favors? You are telling me that these random women come into this house, they are tested for bloodborne pathogens, and if they’re clean, they give their blood, not wanting anything in return?” The utter shock of such a scenario sent a flutter dancing in her stomach. She couldn’t bear the thought of his mouth on another 80

  woman, let alone random party favors. That possessive feeling returned.

  “Yes, women who are party favors do that exactly. Think of it like women and men who want to have a good time but want to forget about what they did the next day. Basically, a one-night stand without the sex, if they so chose.”

  “Does this sort of thing happen all over the world?”

  “I believe so. Most covens have their own rules they adhere to.” He gave her a sidelong glance. “No more questions tonight. Please.” Behind all the words, all the revelations, he was flesh and blood, and the sexiest man she’d ever seen. Without a doubt she wanted him, every part of him. Tonight she was his, tomorrow she would do the penance for this cardinal sin. No doubt.

  It didn’t take long for his fingers to clamp around the edges of her shirt, sliding it upward and over her breasts. The electricity from his touch traveled through her body like sparklers through every vein.

  Tossing her shirt to the side of the bed, he reached in for her skirt and unzipped it before he removed it from her body, casting it on top of her shirt.

  Instinctively she pulled back, afraid of her own desire. Then his hands clasped her waist, held her captive, and all she wanted was his hands all over her body. She tightened her embrace until their hip bones touched.

  A sigh left Jordan. “That’s better. I was starting to think you were frightened of me.”

  “No, I’m not afraid of you,” she whispered. “Truth be told, I’m afraid of myself, and how I feel when I’m near you.”

  “Sweet Mia, you’re making me crazy, woman. I was hoping we were past that stage of our relationship. You know, the one where you want to run from this room, and all the way back to Orlando.” He really had a sexy sense of humor. The intensity of the moment was to the point that she felt if he touched her she would incinerate, and if he didn’t she would die. That was until he reached for her bra,

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  and cold reality washed through her veins like the breaking of a dam.

  I’m a twenty-six-year-old virgin!

  Confusion shifted his expression. “What’s wrong now? You’re flushed.”

  She looked away, anywhere but at him. What would he think about her status as virginal? Living out her fantasy was all well and good, but she couldn’t change the fact that she hadn’t had down-and-dirty sex yet.

  Pretending was an option. Yes, she could see it now. Things progress and they consummate their union, and he realizes, in the midst of their bodies converging, that he is going where no man had ever gone before. Suddenly Star Trek reruns were running rapidly through her mind. Shit! Mortification, here I come.

  “Mia, earth to Mia. What’s on your mind? I told you earlier, and I mean it, if you don’t want to fool around, we don’t have to. We can sit here and talk.”

  My Catholic upbringing is really becoming a royal pain in my ass.

  “Okay, I don’t know how to say this, so I’m just going to say it. I have never actually had intercourse.” Mia delivered the words as if she was giving a lecture, making sure the teak bureau in the corner was her focal point.

  His expression literally changed from shocked disbelief, to humor, and then back again. “Mia, are you telling me you’re a virgin?”

  “You’re making fun of me?”

  Why in God’s name did he have to ask her if she was telling him she was a virgin? She relayed the words in perfectly spoken English.

  What part of “I have never had sex before” did he not understand?

  A little perturbed, she moved her body to the right in an attempt to pull away from him.

  Incredulous, he glanced at the small space between them. “I don’t think this is going to work. Get your sweet behind back over here.”

  “No.”

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  Maybe she was being childish, but she expected his reaction to her admitted virginity to be a little more compassionate, less humorous.

  Before her inner thoughts could decipher more reasons to be angry, his arms shot around her waist.

  The anger vanished.

  “No. Actually, I think it’s sweet that you waited. You are truly a good girl in the eyes of Catholic morality. But I still plan on corrupting you. Of course, my reasons are strictly selfish. I want you for myself. ”

  Questioning gray eyes studied her. “What do you want to do, Mia? I’ll do whatever you want.”

  She had no doubt in her mind that she wanted him.

  Trembling, she turned her face and initiated a kiss. She needed him to love her, even if it was only for one night. All through her life she rejected her carnal desires even when it wasn’t what she wanted.

  For once, she was going to have what she wanted, not what others thought was best, and let h
er needs crash through the willpower exterior strangling her like a noose around her neck.

  His grip coiled tighter. “Say it, Mia. Please…say it.” She glanced down. Why was saying she wanted him so difficult?

  It’s not like she would have an instant replay of this night anytime soon, at least she didn’t assume so.

  Prompting her response, yet gentle, his tone slightly pleaded. “Am I what you want? If so, say it.”

  “I can’t,” she whispered, warmness building behind her eyelids.

  “Yes. You can.”

  Gazing at the chartreuse down comforter, she admitted, “You.” But he still refused to release her, only held her tighter.

  “What about me? What do you want from me? Say it. I need to hear it from your lips.”

  She couldn’t fight his power any longer, nor did she want to. His consuming passion broke her. Like the serpent that tempted Eve in the

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  Garden of Eden, so did Jordan court and tempt her. All that remained was her sweet surrender.

  Finally, her resistance shattered. “I want you, Jordan. I want you to love me.” I’ll deal with the consequences of my actions later.

  His breath danced against her tear-streaked face. “As you wish.” 84

  Chapter Five

  Mia inhaled Jordan’s Obsession cologne as he pushed her shoulders flat against the mattress. Inching her pelvis closer against him, she wanted to melt her body to his.

  Placing his thumb in between her tits, he unhooked her bra. The cool breeze from the air-conditioning caressed the skin, intensifying her already-magnified state of arousal. On the first try, he tugged her bra off. Leaning in, he grasped her tit, then sucked the nipple into his mouth. Gently, he bit the hard nub, alternating between nipping and sucking, practically pulling Mia from the bed with his movements. He squeezed the other tit with deep, full-hand caresses, making sure to pinch the nipple, rolling it between his fingers and thumb.

  The sucking started the fireworks moving through her body.

  Closing her eyes, she savored the exquisite feel of his lips on her body.

  “You feel so good,” he whispered, his breath ragged.

  Reaching underneath, he cupped her buttocks, carefully sliding her panties to her knees. “Wait,” she begged. Catholic guilt lingered, yet she was too far gone to retract.

  A low snort sounded. “Are you sure?”

  She considered his words, for a second. “No.”

  “Mmm…”

  He cupped her between the legs, his hand soft and warm. Gently, he massaged her canal, slipping one finger into the moist folds until he reached the small bulb between the nether lips, then slid in a second finger. Her body dampened to his touch. She wanted, no needed, his hands all over her body. The volcano of her desires had

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  lain dormant for so long, and now, the intense, burning tension needed release.

  Her voice came through the desire-ridden fog. “You feel so good, Jordan.”

  “Then I shall continue, darlin’.”

  With her invitation, he stroked faster, showering her stomach with kisses. When she thought her body couldn’t take anymore, the first tremor erupted, stopping him in the midst of fingering her.

  “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered.

  Mia’s passion exploded with his sweet words, her first orgasm with Jordan traveled through her body with soul-shattering intensity.

  Yes, she’d climaxed during foreplay with the two other guys she’d been with, but this one was different, more explosive and enjoyable, driving her to want more of it, of him.

  Shooting her arms around his neck, she pulled him on top of her.

  The only thought in her brain was holding him tight and never letting him go.

  Perhaps if she held on to him, the night would never end.

  Still reeling from his touch, she hadn’t noticed when he secretly grabbed the black bag. Moments later, his phone pinged. He swiped it from the top of the nightstand, flipped it open. “Looks like you’re safe, kitten.”

  Still riding the wave of sexual delight, Mia pushed herself up on her elbows. “What do you mean I’m safe? Kitten?” Reaching into the bag, he pulled out a long, silver piece of metal.

  His eyes enlivened as they danced over the inlaid jewels.

  Mia admired the array of stones. Sapphires, rubies, and onyx.

  “You have clean blood, my dear.” He glanced at her, then his eyes returned to admiring the object. “‘Kitten’ is a term of endearment.

  You are my little minx.”

  Her thoughts raced around inside her head in record speed. Clean blood. Minx, really? Curious, she watched his every move, slightly 86

  concerned, as he slipped his index finger into the talon, which fit him like a glove. What the…

  With panic surely present in her eyes, she strived to sound complacent. “What is that thing?”

  In the midst of his adoration, gray eyes roamed her face. “Mia, my sweet little minx, I’m a sanguine, a Gothic lifestyler. I drink blood, however, as you well can see, I don’t have fangs. This finger armor is what I use to acquire my blood from donors. I’ve been using this gadget for many years. I’m a pro at it, so you have no need to worry your pretty little head.” He hesitated. “I won’t lie to you though, the first cut is going to sting a bit. No worries. I’ll be careful.” Sitting motionless, she’d come to the realization that he just may be nuts.

  There was no way she was letting him touch her with that thing.

  He never asked her once, the entire evening, if she would mind if he drank her blood. Although he did insinuate early that he was going to drink her blood, she’d assumed it would be from the earlier vile donation. She did not intend to be a donor—not like this with him slicing into her flesh—tonight. Gothic crazy is more like it.

  “No, Jordan. I don’t want to give blood tonight. I would prefer to have time to think about such an intimate request.” Now she was totally off her rocker. It was okay that she wanted him to make love to her, yet letting him taste her blood was off limits?

  The imagined little devil sitting on her right shoulder spoke into her ear, and then the angel on the left shoulder countered, and she ping-ponged between the two. But she soon accepted with all the analysis going on in her head, tonight was a fantasy, and she should embrace the entire experience.

  Amusement rearranged his features. “Let me get this straight, you don’t mind having sex with me, but letting me taste your blood is too intimate?” He stifled a smile. “I’m afraid that you don’t have a choice. Remember, I’m your penance for sneaking into the coven house. ”

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  Bullshit I don’t have a choice. “Jordan, everyone has a choice.

  And I didn’t sneak in here. I was lured in here by my best friend.” She scrunched up her face once the words left her mouth. Lured by my best friend, I sound like a lunatic.

  He opened his mouth then closed it without a sound. “I know that you’re scared, Mia, but isn’t the teacher in you just a bit curious? I know if I were in your shoes, I would be first in line to experience something new, different.”

  Unfair. She couldn’t believe he was playing the teacher card.

  Then the truth of his words hit her like a ton of bricks. Maybe she was curious, but didn’t curiosity kill the cat? Would curiosity kill this minx kitten, too? “I’m interested in your lifestyle. But…” With that, he sat up and leaned against the corner of the mahogany bedpost, then closed his eyes. “Then trust me.”

  “Fine. I’ll do it. But if I have to get stitches, you’re taking me to the hospital and paying the bill.”

  Maybe a childish ultimatum, but it was an ultimatum nonetheless.

  She demanded that he agree, covering her breasts with her hands.

  He opened his eyes just as he folded his arms across his chest. “I can guarantee you that bleeding to death isn’t going to happen. Your cut will be nothing more than a scratch.” His amused expression filled her with in
dignation. She fired back at him in the most smart-ass tone she could muster. “Really? Well, look at me, I’m new to this process. I assumed, Mr. Vampire, you would be drinking a cup of my blood. Just don’t hurt me. I mean, on a serious note, I hate pain.”

  “Ah, kitten, I told you earlier that I make a scratch and lick a few drops from it. The types of vampires that drink cups of blood are in myths. One more thing, I bet I can change your mind about pain.” Strategically rearranging her hands across her breasts, she met his sexy gaze with one of her own. At least she hoped it was sexier. With all the in-depth conversation, Mia kept exposing them. Not that she 88

  should care now, since he’d already become up close and personal with the twins.

  “You know what, you don’t need to cover your beautiful breasts.

  Trust me, they are etched in a permanent place in my mind. I happen to like looking at them.”

  He sighed. “Talking is finished. Where were we?” Drawing her to him, he inched her back down on the bed then whispered, “Spread your legs for me.”

  The raspy glint of authority in his voice had her automatically spread for him. A cold sensation on her inner thigh and recognition of the stringent smell of alcohol sent a chill down her spine. The warm touch of his hand followed by the cold surface of the metal talon grazed her thigh. Blinded by her fear, her body twitched in an attempt to pull away from him. But his strong hand grasped her right thigh, holding it in place. “Relax your muscles, kitten.” Relax. She listened with strange obedience to his distant voice.

  Silence.

  The cold metal claw pierced her skin, jolting her bottom off the bed a few inches. His mouth lowered to her thigh, and all common sense took a vacation as she moaned with pleasure from the heated desire splicing though her body. He tightened the embrace on her leg and licked the cut with renewed energy, and her sinner’s mind begged for more. Please lick me between my legs.